Scalds

Scald Burn Injury Facts and Safety Tips

• Children under 5 are at the highest risk for burns caused by hot fluids.
• Most scald burns happen in the kitchen, primarily due to hot fluid spills from the stove or microwave. Other areas of danger in the kitchen include the kitchen table, counters and the sink. Young children are particularly vulnerable in the kitchen area which is why they should kept away whilst cooking or heating activities are being carried out.
• Ways of reducing the risk of hot fluid scalds to children include appropriate supervision, keeping children away from “risk areas”, avoiding the use of tablecloths and place mats, putting hot items on the table only when adults are ready to be seated, testing the temperature of all foods before feeding a baby, cooking on the rear of the stove.
• The bathroom is the second highest risk area for scald burn injuries in the home. These injuries are directly related to the temperature of the water delivered from the water heater. Water heater thermostats should be set at a maximum of 48.8ºC (120º F). If it is not possible to reduce the water heater temperature, use of a thermostatically controlled valve/faucet should be considered.
• The best way to test bath water is to submerge the hand, spread the fingers and move the hand vigorously in the water. If the water feels uncomfortable to the hand, it is too hot for a child.
• Generally, babies should not be bathed in water above 37.7º C (100º F) and young children in water above 40º C (104º F). Tepid water is the best temperature to bathe babies. Tepid is when the water feels wet, but is neither hot nor cold.
• The skin of young children is thinner than that of adults and thus there is an increased burn risk. When the temperature of liquid reaches about 71.1º C (160º F), a child may be burned instantly.

* Source – Shriners Hospitals for Children